A hidden sewer issue can cost thousands after you move in. So it’s fair to ask: Should I get a sewer inspection before buying a house?
Yes, a sewer inspection before buying a house can uncover root damage, blockages, or pipe collapse—preventing expensive surprises later.
I’ve worked with countless homebuyers to flag hidden plumbing risks before closing. In this article, I’ll explain why it’s a smart move and how the inspection works.
Why You Should Get a Sewer Inspection Before Buying a House
The condition of the sewer line is often overlooked during the home-buying process. This can be a costly oversight. Sewer lines, the vital infrastructure for disposing of waste from your home to municipal or septic systems, can be aged, damaged, or clogged with tree roots.
It is important to have sewer lines checked regularly as the home ages to maintain a healthy living environment. Routine inspection is essential to prevent sudden sewer emergencies as systems age. Considering a sewer line inspection is not just advisable; it’s a crucial step that could save you thousands in unforeseen expenses.
1. Detection of Hidden Problems
Many sewer-related issues aren’t visible to the naked eye. Problems like cracks in the sewer pipe, blockages from tree roots, or deteriorating materials such as Orangeburg pipes or old cast iron can be identified through a sewer scope inspection. A sewer scope inspection involves using a flexible borescope camera to see and record video of sewer pipes. You should get a sewer inspection before buying a house to avoid inheriting these costly issues.
2. Avoiding Massive Repair Costs
Repairing or replacing sewer lines can be extraordinarily expensive, often requiring excavation of the yard and disruption of the ground around a home. The average cost of repairing a sewer line is $2,556, which is significantly higher than an inspection. The average cost of a sewer line camera inspection is between $250 and $500.
For example, the cost of a sewer lateral inspection in Emmaus, PA is $275. Many property owners are financially responsible for the condition of their sewer laterals. The cost is negligible compared to the peace of mind and savings you get by addressing these issues upfront. Scheduling a sewer inspection when buying a house can give you a clear understanding of what might need fixing and help you budget for potential repairs.
3. Negotiating Leverage in Purchasing
Armed with knowledge about the sewer system’s current condition, you can negotiate better with the seller. Whether it’s adjusting the purchase price, requesting repairs before the transaction, or preparing financially for future repairs, there are many benefits to scheduling a sewer inspection when buying a house. Ultimately, this service can provide tangible data to support your negotiations.
How Is a Sewer Inspection Conducted?
Understanding how a sewer inspection is carried out can demystify the process and highlight its importance. Typically, a professional home inspector or plumber will conduct a sewer line camera inspection. This non-invasive procedure involves inserting a video feed into the sewer line and inspecting the entire length for any signs of damage or blockage.
What is a pipe video inspection camera?
A pipe video inspection camera is a flexible, waterproof camera used to visually inspect the inside of sewer lines, identifying clogs, cracks, root intrusion, and corrosion.
Home inspectors or licensed plumbers use these tools during sewer inspections to detect problems without excavation. The camera feeds real-time video to a monitor, helping pinpoint the exact location and nature of any issue in the pipe system. A passage of the inspection is valid for two years before needing reinspection.
What is a Crawler Camera?
A crawler camera is a motorized robotic device with a mounted camera used to inspect large-diameter or main sewer lines, offering detailed, remote-controlled footage of underground pipes.
Crawler cameras are typically used by municipal inspectors and professional plumbing companies for commercial properties or large-scale residential systems.
What is a Sewer Lateral Camera?
A sewer lateral camera is designed to inspect the pipe that runs from a home’s plumbing system to the municipal sewer main, helping detect issues like offsets, blockages, and root damage. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining these sewer laterals, as they are privately owned.
Sewer lateral cameras are commonly used in homebuyer inspections, especially for older properties with clay or cast iron lines. In some areas, such as Emmaus Borough, PA, sewer lateral inspections are required prior to the sale or transfer of a property.
What is an Inspection Cam?
An inspection cam, or inspection camera, is a compact visual tool used to look inside hard-to-reach places like plumbing lines, HVAC ducts, or wall cavities.
In sewer inspections, it’s often used interchangeably with pipe cameras, especially in DIY kits or handheld models for homeowners.
The Role of Technology in Sewer Inspections
The use of advanced technology like high-definition cameras provides a clear view of the sewer line’s overall condition. This allows inspectors to identify issues like small leaks, large obstructions, or pipes that are misaligned.
Using drones increases the overall safety of sewer inspections by removing the need for inspectors to enter confined spaces. The Elios 3 drone creates 3D models of assets in real time, providing better record keeping for inspectors.
Common Issues Uncovered During Sewer Inspections
As you can see, there are many compelling reasons why you should get a sewer inspection before buying a house. Let’s delve into some of the typical problems that a professional inspector might uncover during the inspection process.
Tree Roots Intrusion
One of the most common issues found during sewer scope inspections is the intrusion of tree roots into sewer lines. Tree roots seek moisture and can infiltrate even the smallest cracks in sewer pipes, eventually leading to significant blockages and damage. Signs that a sewer inspection may be needed include damp areas in the lawn and backflow into the home.
Aging and Corroded Pipes
In older homes, the sewer pipes might be made from materials that corrode over time or are no longer up to code. Older properties often have sewer lines that have reached the end of their useful life and are more likely to collapse or crack. Knowing the material of your sewer pipes can help determine the urgency of replacement or maintenance.
Previous Repairs
Sewer inspections can also reveal patches or areas that have previously been repaired, providing insights into the history of the plumbing system’s issues and maintenance.
Who Performs Sewer Inspections?
Sewer inspections, often involving sewer scope inspections, are typically performed by plumbers specializing in sewer line work or drain technicians. Home inspectors may also offer sewer scope inspections as an additional service, but plumbers are generally preferred. The inspection must be performed by a licensed journeyman or master plumber. Inspection results and video must be submitted to the Borough’s Zoning Officer for review.
What Do CCTV Inspection Companies Do?
CCTV inspection companies use specialized camera systems to assess underground sewer and drain lines without excavation, providing detailed footage for diagnostics and repair planning. Drone technology is revolutionizing sewer inspections by allowing inspectors to improve safety and efficiency. Drones make sewer inspections much more efficient, helping cities realize significant savings.
They typically work with real estate agents, municipalities, and homeowners during property transactions or plumbing emergencies. The efficiency of drone inspections can be double that of human inspectors, and they are 40% less expensive per meter.
Can You Buy a Sewer Scope?
Yes, sewer scopes are available for sale and can be purchased by homeowners or contractors for DIY sewer line inspections.
Consumer-grade sewer inspection kits are often sold online and include a camera, cable, and monitor. However, for accurate diagnosis and peace of mind when buying a home, it’s best to hire a licensed professional.
What is the Opticam Sewer Camera?
The Opticam sewer camera is a professional-grade push camera system designed for inspecting residential and commercial sewer lines with high-definition video and easy-to-use controls.
It’s a popular choice among plumbing contractors due to its image quality, portability, and rugged construction.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Sewer Inspection?
Skipping a sewer inspection can lead to unpleasant surprises. Imagine moving into your dream home only to find out that you need a complete sewer line replacement just months after purchase. The disruption and cost could turn your dream into a nightmare.
Important Notes About Sewer Inspections
While sewer scope inspections are highly effective, they are observational tools and do not guarantee the future condition of the sewer line. They reveal current issues like cracks, blockages, or intrusions but cannot predict new problems that might develop over time.
Some homeowners or plumbers may attempt to use a drain snake instead of a camera inspection to clear blockages. However, this method is primarily for unclogging and does not detect cracks, corrosion, or root intrusion—making it a poor substitute for a true visual sewer inspection.
You’ll receive a detailed report and video footage after the inspection, which outlines any defects or areas of concern. This report is crucial for understanding the sewer system’s condition and planning for any necessary repairs or negotiations during a home purchase.
The Bottom Line
So, should you get a sewer inspection before buying a house? Absolutely. It’s a small cost upfront that can prevent a large financial headache later. Not only can you make sure that your new home’s plumbing system is in good condition, but an inspection can also help you relax, knowing that you won’t face unexpected sewer system failures. Home buyers should consider getting a sewer inspection done even if the home is newly constructed.
Choosing the Right Professionals
When deciding to get a sewer inspection, selecting the right professionals is paramount. Neighborhood Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical offers expert sewer scope inspection services you can rely on. With us, you can rest assured, knowing you’ll receive a comprehensive assessment of the sewer system’s condition. Our team uses the latest technology and has extensive experience in identifying and addressing any issues that may arise.
Schedule Your Sewer Inspection Today
Don’t overlook the importance of a thorough sewer inspection when purchasing your next home. Sewer repairs are often not covered by homeowners insurance, requiring out-of-pocket payment. Sewer inspections for properties are mandated to eliminate stormwater inflow and infiltration issues. Contact Neighborhood Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical today to schedule your home inspection. Our plumbers in St. Cloud, MN, are ready to assist you in making an informed decision about your property purchase!
Are you ready to have your sewer line inspected? Secure your investment and make sure your future home is free of hidden plumbing issues with our professional inspection services! From scheduled plumbing repairs to emergency sewer cleaning, we can do it all. We proudly serve the residents of Forest Lake, St. Cloud, and the nearby areas.